SE Nebraska News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), who serves on the Senate Commerce Committee, questioned Department of Transportation nominees Ryan McCormack and Daniel Edwards about their stance on funding for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program during a hearing on Wednesday.

Fischer emphasized the significance of the EAS program for Nebraska’s small communities and for rural areas across the country. She expressed concern about proposed funding cuts to EAS in the Department of Transportation’s budget for fiscal year 2026, highlighting that seven Nebraska communities depend on this service for connectivity and access to essential services. According to Fischer, EAS not only helps with transportation but also supports local economies by attracting businesses and visitors.

“My home state of Nebraska is home to seven communities that are served by Essential Air Service (EAS). Rural communities rely heavily on a central air service program to provide connectivity and access to critical services. In addition to providing these services, EAS also helps these communities attract business and visitors, driving our local economies.

“I was very disappointed to see significant funding cuts for EAS in DOT's budget proposal for FY26. Mr. McCormack and Mr. Edwards, will you both commit to working with me to ensure that my Nebraska communities and the rest of rural America are not harmed by reductions in EAS funding,” said Fischer.

McCormack affirmed his support: “Of course, would like to continue working with you and your staff on that issue. EAS funding is a priority of Secretary Duffy's. When he was a congressman, he had two EAS airports in his district, and I think that you've seen, as we've dealt with this difficulty and lapse in appropriation, the Department has really been doing all that we possibly can in order to keep EAS funded through this difficult time. So again, would love to continue working with you and your staff in that vital issue.”

Edwards echoed this commitment: “Senator, you also have my commitment. EAS is a critical program to our small and rural communities, and we find ourselves in a situation that aviation is truly gravitating towards large hubs and toward the coasts.

“We need to ensure that there's opportunity for every American to access commercial flights and get to where they want to go. So not only do you have my commitment to support it, but you have my commitment to make sure that those dollars are executed much, much more efficiently.”

During the hearing, Fischer also addressed concerns about Alliance Municipal Airport’s petition regarding a recent EAS order with the Department of Transportation which remains unanswered.

“Another one of my communities in my state, Alliance, they filed a petition for reconsideration on a recent EAS order. As of today, Alliance, Nebraska, has still not received an answer to that petition from [DOT] EAS office. And I know that my staff has been in contact with DOT on the petition, and I have concerns about how Alliance has been treated throughout this process.

“Mr. McCormack, I would encourage you to ensure that Alliance's petition is considered in a timely fashion. And Mr. Edwards, should you be confirmed, I would like you to carefully consider that petition as well,” Fischer said.